Vasant (Vas) Narasimhan, M.D., has been Chief Executive Officer of Novartis since February 1, 2018. Since becoming CEO, Dr. Narasimhan has led a strategic and cultural transformation at Novartis to build a leading medicines company globally powered by advanced therapy platforms and data science. Under his leadership, the company has completed over USD 60 billion in strategic transactions. Dr. Narasimhan previously was Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer for Novartis. Prior to that, he held a range of leadership roles in product development and general management, such as Global Head of Development for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Global Head of the Sandoz Biopharmaceuticals and Oncology Injectables business unit, Global Head of Development for Novartis Vaccines, North America Region Head for Novartis Vaccines, and United States Country President for Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics. During his career at Novartis, Dr. Narasimhan has overseen the licensure of over 20 novel medicines, including advanced cell and gene therapies as well as vaccines. Before joining Novartis in 2005, he briefly worked in management consulting.